Recommended combination of Aberdeen Equity Income (AEI) with Shires Income PLC (SHRS)

Thomas Moore, Fund Manager of Aberdeen Equity Income Trust plc (AEI), and Iain Pyle, Fund Manager of Shires Income PLC (SHRS), discuss the proposed merger between AEI and SHRS. They set out the strategic rationale, portfolio considerations and potential benefits for shareholders. The discussion covers how increased scale, cost efficiencies and portfolio alignment may support the combined trust, while maintaining continuity in investment philosophy and management. They also outline proposed changes to investment limits, gearing, dividend support and governance, and how the enlarged trust is positioned within the UK equity income sector.